Reagor exited about chance

Broncos have high expectations for Tech product at DE

Posted: Monday, April 19, 1999

SAM SCOTTMorris News Service

LUBBOCK - Former Texas Tech defensive end Montae Reagor didn't get exactly what he wanted from the National Football League on Saturday. But he wasn't about to complain after being selected in the second round by the two-time Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos.

"Oh man ... I'm very excited," Reagor, who hoped to be chosen in the first round, said from the Waxahachie home of his mother, LaVeeda Bell. "Things are working out. I'm just blessed to be in this situation. It feels great. I have a chance to play and go to a winning program and a program that's on the rise. It's a program that's going to have a great chance of winning another championship."

It also appears to be a program where Reagor will have an opportunity to contribute right away. The Broncos are expected to release veteran Neil Smith in the off-season because of salary-cap concerns, which would leave Maa Tanuvasaa, Marvin Washington and Alfred Williams atop the depth chart at end.

The Sporting News' NFL draft preview lists a pass-rushing end as Denver's No. 1 draft priority. Reagor, Tech's all-time leader in sacks (25 1/2) and tackles behind the line (48), would seem to fit that role.

Reagor was chosen with the 58th overall pick, making him the highest-drafted Red Raider since running back Byron Hanspard was taken by Atlanta with the 41st pick in 1997. He also joins former Tech running back Anthony Lynn in Denver.

The Broncos took another Red Raider - defensive back Darwin Brown - on Sunday in the fifth round, the 167th pick overall. "They told me they're going to put me down as a guy who can come in and play and make a big contribution to the ballclub," Reagor said. "I'm going to go in and do my best, do things as well as I can."

There was some talk that the 6-foot-2, 270-pound Reagor might be drafted by a team that would try to move him to linebacker. Reagor, though, is happy to report he will first line up for Denver at defensive end.

"They've told me they're really excited about me and everything I can bring to their program," said Reagor, who planned to visit the Mile High City for the first time Sunday. "I'm just going to go up there and do what I can do, which is be a very productive player.

"Tell the people in Lubbock thanks for all their support, for sticking behind me through everything. I'm just very excited right now."